Prussian Dragoon sword 1734 with iron hilt

Jim McDougall · 6th April 2019, 10:10 PM

This truly is an exciting example of these early Prussian cavalry swords as it does seem to be a distinct variant, not only as it is iron, but the M1735 (as designated by Wagner (1967, pl. 4, p.254) has an eagle head pommel with capstan.
There is a M1732 version also brass but with rounded pommel and a solid plate in guard with crowned eagle image. This also has the POTZDAM mark and the Prussian eagle stamp other side of blade.

It is interesting that Wagner regards Potsdam as a makers mark, but it would be an arsenal type mark as this was the residence of the king. In effect it was Frederick William I, who was keen on his powerful army, referred to as 'Potsdam Giants'. In 1740 his son Frederick (also) took over as Frederick II (Frederick the Great).

It would seem that such changes may have brought variation, or perhaps the iron and without the elaborate cast brass hilts might have been for other ranks? These are shown in Bezdek (2000) p.167, as Prussian dragoon sword c. 1750. It is not indicated (line drawing) whether iron or brass.

It is interesting as well to see 'patterns' this close together, as M1732 and M1735 as shown in Wagner. It does seem that these swords did have a number of variant hilt designs with incorporated royal cyphers etc. but as noted, this would seem to be a troopers version, without these kinds of embellishments. In my view even more desirable as a sword which was really in the ranks of key events in these most historic times!

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6th April 2019, 10:10 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	This truly is an exciting example of these early Prussian cavalry swords as it does seem to be a distinct variant, not only as it is iron, but the M1735 (as designated by Wagner (1967, pl. 4, p.254) has an eagle head pommel with capstan. There is a M1732 version also brass but with rounded pommel and a solid plate in guard with crowned eagle image. This also has the POTZDAM mark and the Prussian eagle stamp other side of blade. It is interesting that Wagner regards Potsdam as a makers mark, but it would be an arsenal type mark as this was the residence of the king. In effect it was Frederick William I, who was keen on his powerful army, referred to as 'Potsdam Giants'. In 1740 his son Frederick (also) took over as Frederick II (Frederick the Great). It would seem that such changes may have brought variation, or perhaps the iron and without the elaborate cast brass hilts might have been for other ranks? These are shown in Bezdek (2000) p.167, as Prussian dragoon sword c. 1750. It is not indicated (line drawing) whether iron or brass. It is interesting as well to see 'patterns' this close together, as M1732 and M1735 as shown in Wagner. It does seem that these swords did have a number of variant hilt designs with incorporated royal cyphers etc. but as noted, this would seem to be a troopers version, without these kinds of embellishments. In my view even more desirable as a sword which was really in the ranks of key events in these most historic times!